Commercial Pilot (CPL) — Step-by-Step Roadmap
Your journey, phase by phase
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Phase 1 · School years Class 12 with Physics and Maths DGCA asks for the two subjects, not the Science stream — add them through NIOS if needed.
- Class 12 (10+2) pass with Physics and Mathematics is required.
- Commerce or Arts students can clear Physics and Maths at Class 12 level through NIOS before applying.
- No degree is needed for DGCA licences; some students do one alongside as a back-up.
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Phase 2 · Before paying a school DGCA medicals first Class 2 medical first, then the Class 1 medical with a DGCA-empanelled examiner.
- A DGCA Class 2 medical is needed before solo flying.
- A Class 1 medical from a DGCA-empanelled examiner is needed for the CPL.
- Eyesight, hearing and other conditions can make you unfit — and flying-school fees are rarely refunded.
- Tip: Do the DGCA Class 1 medical before you pay any flying school.
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Phase 3 · ~18 months–2 years Join a DGCA-approved flying school In India or abroad; foreign licences must be converted under DGCA rules.
- Training time is about 18 months to 2 years, depending on the school.
- Minimum age is 17 for a Student Pilot Licence.
- Schools quote very different totals (tens of lakhs) and a type rating is usually extra — get the full written fee schedule.
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Phase 4 · During training Theory exams and 200 flying hours DGCA papers on eGCA, the RTR(A) radio licence and the required flight time.
- Theory papers: Air Regulations, Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Technical General and Technical Specific, booked and tracked on eGCA.
- Log at least 200 hours of flight time; the solo, cross-country, instrument and night minimums are in the current DGCA CAR.
- The radio telephony RTR(A) licence is a separate exam every CPL holder needs to talk to air traffic control.
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Phase 5 · 18+ onward CPL, type rating and airline career Skill test → CPL → type rating → First Officer → Captain after the ATPL.
- DGCA issues the CPL (minimum age 18) after a skill test with a DGCA examiner and document checks.
- A type rating trains you on one airliner type (for example A320 or B737); airlines run their own written tests, simulator checks and interviews, and some run cadet programmes from zero.
- Growth path: First Officer → Senior First Officer → Captain → Training Captain / Examiner; many new CPL holders instruct while waiting for airline hiring.
- CPL age
- 18+
- Captain
- After the ATPL
Verify on the official source
Exam dates, fees, paper patterns and eligibility rules are revised by the regulator from time to time. Treat this roadmap as your map, and confirm the current rules on the official site before you register or pay any fee.